The must of Madagascar | Comfort

The adventure begin

Arrival at the Ivato International Airport, Antananarivo. You will be welcomed by HT Agency Tours representative. Meet and greet. Once you have passed customs formalities, it is to the Guide to smooth through the rest of the arrivals process – changing money, setting up your phone with a new SIM card, and anything else you need; then, drive directly to the east to reach Andasibe, with some stops in the way to enjoy the landscape. After 4 hours, arrival in Andasibe village, check-in at the hotel.

Around 6:30 PM

Around 6:30PM, beginning of the Guided night visits, the visit will take 1hour and half, and then drive back to the hotel. LOCATION: ANDASIBE ACCOMMODATION: MANTADIA LODGE | MANJARANO INCLUSION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER DRIVE DURATION:  04H TO 05H

Today ou start with a guided visit at Analamazaotra National Park. It is better to leave the hotel early (about 7:30AM) to meet easily the Indri-Indri and the Diademed Sifaka in their forest home. The visit takes about 3 hours. Madagascar luxury travel | Tour. Within a mile of the park you can hear the peculiar call of the indri very early in the morning until noon and again in the late afternoon. Indris (called Babakoto in Malagasy) are the largest living lemurs at all reaching up to 1 meter.

Andasibe

It is the best place to observe the Indris given that there are a couple of families habituated to humans. It lives in small groups and cannot survive in captivity. There are several legends trying to explain its origins since it is considered a sacred animal in the whole Madagascar. Apart from the Indri, another 13 lemur species inhabit these forests, such as woody lemur, grey bamboo lemur, diademed sifaka, brown lemur, red mouse-lemur, red-bellied lemur, black and white ruffed lemur and even aye-aye.

In the afternoon

We visit Andasibe village, known as “the City of Waters”, and stroll through the local market to see some Malagasy craftspeople working. Then, you will enjoy an amazing up close and personal experience with lemurs on the private Lemurs Island and then on to view many other species in the Vakona Reserve Zoo, where you will see many crocodiles in the huge river enclosure, native birds, and other wildlife in well-kept surroundings. Madagascar luxury travel | Tour. LOCATION: ANDASIBE ACCOMMODATION: MANTADIA LODGE | MANJARANO INCLUSION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER

Breakfast, then we depart early back to the capital city and have around 5 hours drive through the spectacular eroded hills called lavaka. On the road, we visit the Peyrieras Madagascar. The famous unfamiliar animal breeding centre owned by naturalist Andre Pereyras, where we see almost all the chameleon species of Madagascar – as well as leaf tailed geckos, lemur, cocquerel’s Sifaka, and other interesting animals, such as butterflies, moths (the giant Atlas Moth), and tenrecs. LOCATION: ANTANANARIVO ACCOMMODATION: NOVOTEL | RADISSON BLU INCLUSION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER DRIVE DURATION:  04H TO 05H

Transfer to the airport for flight from Antananarivo TNR to the west coast of the island, destination to Morondava MOQ. On your arrival, drive directly to the North, about 42 km following the secondary road which a bit winding, to reach the famous Kirindy Park. Check-in at your hotel, Madagascar luxury travel | Tour.

Once there

Around 6:30 PM, beginning of the Guided nightwalks at Kirindy Reserve. Kirindy is the best place in the whole island to observe fosa. Other nocturnal species includes: the rare Coquerel’s giant mouse lemur and pygmy mouse-lemur, fork-crowned lemur, grey mouse lemur, western fat-tailed dwarf lemur and red-tailed sportive lemur. Several bats, tenrecs, mongoose and rodents complete the mammal population. LOCATION: KIRINDY ACCOMMODATION: RELAIS DU KIRINDY INCLUSION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER FLIGHT DURATION: 01H: 10MN+ DRIVE: ABOUT 2H30MN (BUMPY ROAD)

Around 7:00 AM, beginning of the Guided day visits at Kirindy reserve. Kirindy Reserve is home to seven species of lemur. The most common are the common brown lemurs and the Verreaux’s sifakas. These long-legged, seven-pound lemurs, white with dark patches, leap among tree trunks high in the canopy, propelled by their powerful hind legs but continually maintaining an upright posture.

And

40 bird, 50 reptile and 15 amphibian species are also found in this magnificent forest. After the visit, back to the road and continue by a ferry crossing to reach the small village of Belo sur Tsiribihina, where we stop for lunch. Then, continue to the North through a landscape of rice fields and small village, to arrive at the end of the afternoon at Bekopaka. LOCATION: BEKOPAKA ACCOMMODATION: SOLEIL DES TSINGY | OLYMPE DE BEMARAHA INCLUSION: BREAKFAST AND DINNER DRIVE: ABOUT 7H

After breakfast, guided visit to the Bemaraha National Park (Grand Tsingy), you can choose whichever tour you want to do on this day, in consultation with your local guide and your driver, depending on your energy levels and enthusiasm on the day. Madagascar luxury travel | Tour. There are circuits for all levels of fitness here at this World Heritage park. Here nature seems to be in perfect harmony with this wild and sharp limestone mountain. The flora consists of a dry western deciduous forest, plants typical of these dry limestone areas, such as species of Aloe and baobab Andasonia, the red-flowered flamboyant tree, Madagascar’s native banana Musa perrier.

Moreover

You can also see typical plants growing in the rocky area such pachypodium, orchids Concerning the fauna we can see the stump-tailed chameleon Brookesia perarmata, 53 bird, 7 lemur species including Decken’s sifaka Propithecus verreauxi deckeni.  For your lunch, you will have picnic organized by the guide. After lunch, you will continue your visit to the Small Tsingy. LOCATION: BEKOPAKA ACCOMMODATION: SOLEIL DES TSINGY | OLYMPE DE BEMARAHA INCLUSION: DINNER AND BREAKFAST

Head back to Morondava. Lunch at Belo sur Tsiribihina. Then, continue up to Morondava with two special stops, the first one in Baobab Amoureux and the second one in the famous Streets of Baobabs to appreciate a beautiful sunset. Arrival at Morondava in early evening, transfer to the hotel. LOCATION: MORONDAVA ACCOMMODATION: PALISSANDRE COTE OUEST INCLUSION: DINNER AND BREAKFAST DRIVE DURATION: ABOUT 09H30

Transfer to the airport of Morondava for your private charter flight to Fianarantsoa. Just upon arrival in Fianaranntsoa, a private car is provided to drive you to the village of Ifanadiana, well known for the Ranomafana National Park. On the arrival, check in to the hotel, then we start our visit ; Madagascar luxury travel | Tour. We search this National Park’s rainforest for lemurs, accompanied by our local naturalist guide. This is a high-altitude rainforest reserve where the Golden Bamboo Lemur was discovered in 1986.

Ranomafana

The forest is home to 11 other lemur species, endemic chameleons, Leaf-tailed Geckos, Mantella Frogs and a myriad of birds. We embark on a quest to see the fabled “Hapalemur aureus” – the Golden Bamboo Lemur – which is only found in Ranomafana. We will also see many different species of birds, such as Ground Rollers. The park is particularly rich in flora and features many plant varieties unknown elsewhere, including different types of orchids and ferns.

Area

The approximately 40,000 ha of Parc National de Ranomafana, with its rain forest-covered hills and abundant wildlife, has long been considered one of Madagascar’s highlights. Altitudes in the park range from 800 to 1,200 metres above sea level. In addition to its densely-forested hills, Ranomafana’s terrain is characterised by numerous small streams which plummet down to the beautiful Namorona River. Although much of the region has been logged, the park retains relatively large areas of primary forest.

After the visit

This day includes strenuous walks in the rainforest. After 4 hours visit, we will get back to the hotel for lunch, and get rest a little bit before starting the Guided night walk in the area around our hotel to try and spot the Rufous Mouse Lemur, the Greater Dwarf Lemur and some of the other nocturnal wildlife. After the visit, back to the hotel. LOCATION: RANOMAFANA ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL THERMAL | CENTREST INCLUSION: DINNER AND BREAKFAST DRIVE DURATION: ABOUT 07H

Drive via Fianarantsoa to the pleasant rural town of Ambalavao. We then continue to Anja Community Reserve for a short walk, during which we have the chance to see Madagascar’s iconic animal – ring-tailed lemurs (Lemurian Catta.) In the past, visitors fed the lemurs, so the majority of the animals are unafraid to come near us to pose for photographs. After the visit, we continue to the south. Madagascar luxury travel | Tour. We pass through the legendary ‘Porte du Sud’ and cross the desolate expanse of the Plateau de Ihorombe with its deep red soil, arriving late afternoon in Ranohira, gateway to Isalo National Park. LOCATION: ISALO ACCOMMODATION: ISALO ROCK LODGE | JARDIN DY ROY INCLUSION: DINNER AND BREAKFAST DRIVE DURATION: ABOUT 7H

Today we explore the stunning desert plains, deep canyons, sandstone formations, grasslands and palm-lined oases of Isalo National Park. We hope to encounter the 3 lemur species that are found here – Red-fronted Brown Lemurs, Ring-tailed Lemurs and the loping, bipedal Verreaux’s Sifaka. We will also see vegetation such as Uapaca bojeri, Pachypodium rosulatum or ‘elephant’s foot’ and Aloe isaloensis, a native species of aloe endemic to Isalo.

Isalo

The eroded mountains also served as a place where the Bara people kept their dead before they could bury them in their actual tombs. This day includes strenuous walks. “Picnic lunch in the park”. At the end of the afternoon, back to the hotel for preparing the visit the famous Window of Isalo to appreciate the breathtaking and spectacular scene of the color of the sun (Sunset). Drive back to the hotel, Madagascar luxury travel | Tour. LOCATION: ISALO ACCOMMODATION: ISALO ROCK LODGE | JARDIN DY ROY INCLUSION: DINNER AND BREAKFAST

This part of our journey continues down the paved RN7 to its end in Tulear on the Southwest coast, introducing us to new scenery among the dry forests of the west and the spiny desert of the south. We pass through the sapphire mining boom town of Ilakaka, a frontier town vaguely reminiscent of the Wild West. After 90km at about 01hour and half drive, one short stop at the Zombitse – Vohibasia;

Zombitse

It is known to be the showcase of the rich on endemic birdlife to Madagascar. Reptiles, lemurs are also an attraction here. This national park is currently the only area for seeing the newly-described Zombitse sportive lemur (Lepilemur hubbardorum), which can easily be found even during the day as it peers out from daytime sleeping sites. In terms of floral species: baobabs (Adansonia za) can be marveled at here, and lots of orchid flower during the beginning of the rainy season. Typical plants of southern Madagascar like pachypods and Didiraceae are of course part of the park, too.

After the visit

We continue to drive down the RN7. “En-route”, we see the locations of different ornate hillside ‘Mahafaly Tombs’, which were built for chiefs and kings and are covered in stones, sculptures and horns. The more important the deceased, the more horns and statues. One of the largest tombs has over 700 horns of zebu cattle! As this is a sacred site we will just be passing by the tomb is adorned. Photography is not permitted. We also pass the area of the ‘Antandroy Tombs’.

Southern

This is the driest part of the country – called the “Deep South” – where the landscape is dominated by cactus-like, spiny forests of different euphorbias. In this area giant baobab trees, which can be hundreds of years old, grow. For most of the year these hardy trees have no leaves, so their bare branches look like roots – giving them the name “upside-down trees.” This is an area of dry and sandy soil where the local people battle to find drinking water. When we reach Tuléar (also known as “Toliara“) after five hours, transfer to your hotel. LOCATION: TOLIARA ACCOMMODATION: VICTORY | HYPOCAMPO INCLUSION: DINNER AND BREAKFAST DRIVE DURATION : ABOUT 06H

Very early, transfer to the airport and fly to the capital city (departure at 05 :05am). A private vehicle will be provided at the Airport of Antananarivo to drive you to a restaurant in town. After breakfast, we drive for a guided visit to The Queen’s Palace here is a symbol of the Merina Kingdom, the dynasty that made Madagascar a modern state. This is a place of pilgrimage and the burial ground for its sovereigns since 1817. Madagascar luxury travel | Tour. Sitting atop the highest hill in Antananarivo, it offers spectacular views of the surroundings.

And

Then drive down to the Independence Avenue. Here we get a good picture of the diverse communities that come together from all over the island in the capital. After the lunch, possibility to purchase some souvenirs in the artisanal market of the Digue and transfer to the airport for flight to Nosy Be Island (departure at 05 :40pm).

Nosy Be

This is one of the best tourist destinations in the world, and the favorite place of travelers who come in Madagascar. Nosy Be is the main island of an archipelago of dozen small islands, and has all ingredients you’d expect: Soft white sand, turquoise water, and seafood, sunny climate most of the year. LOCATION: NOSY BE ACCOMMODATION: RAVINALA WELLNESS | HOME THE RESIDENCE INCLUSION: DINNER AND BREAKFAST FLIGHT DURATION: FROM TULEAR TO ANTANANARIVO 01H50MN + FROM ANTANANARIVO TO NOSY BE 01H45MN

Today, we start the day with an early scuba diving activity in the area of Sakatia. This spot is very famous with a beauty of the nautical fauna. This island is renowned for its beautiful diving sites, the undersea bottom is rich in coral and various colored fish.

Sakatia

Nosy Sakatia is an island with a preserved ecosystem. It is rich in exceptional marine and terrestrial fauna and flora. It invites you to an unforgettable discovery of vanilla fields, pepper plantations, coffee trees, various fruit trees, etc. Nosy Sakatia also has 03 charming fishing villages. Nearby, its beaches are heavenly. A large expanse of white sand for sunbathing, transparent and sparkling water, for swimming… Madagascar luxury travel | Tour. Everything to spend an unique and pleasant moment of relaxation. LOCATION: NOSY BE ACCOMMODATION: RAVINALA WELLNESS | HOME THE RESIDENCE INCLUSION: DINNER AND BREAKFAST

After breakfast, around 08:00AM, depature to the famous Nosy Iranja which is located at 1h30 by speedboat from Nosy Be. These two islands are connected by a fine white sandbank which is covered at high tide, and discovered at low tide. Madagascar luxury travel | Tour. This is a paradise island with its turquoise blue colors, white paradise, and green nature. Turtles come there to lay still to date hence its name “Turtle Island”. We see all kinds of birds; terns, some varieties of herons and the passage of sea eagles.

On the spot

Buffet lunch on table in the shade of coconut trees (crab, grilled fish, kebabs of zebu and shrimp, coconut rice, raw vegetables, tropical fruits). Visit the lighthouse and the authentic village of Greater Iranja. On the course featured, discover the entire virgin coast of the big island (Madagascar) and its miles of wild beaches, sugar loaf (large rock formation mid-course) and Nosy Antsoa, ​​still completely authentic island. After the visit, return back to the hotel around 05:00PM. LOCATION: NOSY BE ACCOMMODATION: RAVITSARA WELNESS | HOME THE RESIDENCE INCLUSION: DINNER AND BREAKFAST

This last day is dedicated to your flight back to the capital city, departure at 02:40pm. Opportunity to allow you to discover more about Nosy Be the half day. Upon arrival, transfer from the national airport to the international airport. END OF OUR SERVICES Madagascar luxury travel | Tour